The Lion Tamer Who Lost by Louise Beech – a review BLOG TOUR

Wow, is the only word I can really think of to describe how this felt when I finished it. This is a story that grabbed me from the beginning and literally didn’t let me go until the end. I read The Lion Tamer Who Lost on a recent trip to Copenhagen and it certainly got me some rather concerned looks at times as it was hard not to be outwardly emotional whilst reading.

The Lion Tamer Who Lost is the second novel I have read by Louise Beech after Maria in the Moon and I have to say this I think this is even better than the first (which is good going as I loved the first one too, read my review here)

Ben is in Zimbabwee after the breakup of a relationship. He is fulfilling his childhood dream to go and work at a lion sanctuary. Andrew is a writer who is hoping for his big break. Their paths cross and events unfold that mean neither of them will ever be the same.

This was a truly fantastic read. Described as a love story, a phrase that would normally put me off a book, it is that but so much more. The story is told from both the characters viewpoints. It almost starts in the middle before going both backwards and forwards. Yet what could be a complicated structure is an absolutely flawless read which I suspect is testament to the quality of the writing.

The two main characters are both very intriguing. For the first half of the book I kept swinging between sympathy and irritation with them both, yet as the story weaved it’s way to the conclusion I was so deeply invested in the characters that I wanted nothing but a happy ending. Therefore as the twists kept getting more shocking the story just got more emotional.

There is a great sense of place within the novel. The descriptions of Zimbabwee and especially those of the sunrises that Ben enjoys are so vivid you almost feel like you are about to open the door onto a lion.

Louise Beech is a fabulous writer and her novels are definitely ones that will stay with you for long after you have finished them. Whilst this is certainly not a standard murder mystery and so not my usual fare I think this novel could quite possibly be my favourite book of the year.

The Lion Tamer Who Lost is available now.